Michael Jackson’s sister, Le Toya, has claimed her brother was murdered as part of a plot to obtain his personal fortune.

Le Toya, who is regarded as one Michael’s closet relatives, made the allegation in an interview with the News of the World.

"Michael was murdered,” Le Toya said. “And we don't think just one person was involved. Rather, it was a conspiracy of people. I feel it was all about money.”

She also accused enablers of giving her brother drugs and claimed the singer’s Los Angeles home had been robbed in the hours after his death.

'No foul play'

Last month, the Los Angeles Coroner’s Office said there had been no foul play in Jackson’s death, but deferred a cause pending the results of toxicology tests.

On Friday, Chief William Bratton said investigators had yet to rule of homicide.

Michael's father, Joseph, has previously claimed “foul play” was involved in his son's death.

Le Toya told the News of the World she had instigated a second and independent autopsy on the star’s body and that people would be “surprised” by the results.

She refused to dicuss further details, but said: “I can say newspaper reports that there was methadone in his body are inaccurate.

"He had many needle marks on his neck and on his arms, and more about those will emerge in the next few weeks.

"But nothing has changed my mind that this was murder and I won't give up until I find out what killed my brother.”

'Feared for fortune'

Le Toya claimed Michael had expressed fears in the past that “people out to get him” and his personal wealth, which his sister said was worth $1billion.

"Michael was being inappropriately treated by people who got him hooked on drugs,” she said.

"I can't say who I believe is responsible as I don't want to jeopardise the police investigation. But not everybody had Michael's best interests at heart.

“A month ago I felt Michael was going to die before he did his London concerts. I felt it would be foul play. I felt he'd never make the show."

He brother, she added, had become “the loneliest man in the world” and claimed people around him had stopped him from seeing his family.

'Stolen jewels'

She also claimed that money and jewellery had been taken from Michael’s rented home in Holmby Hills, Hollywood in the hours after his death.

“So many people had been through that house before I got there,” she said. “Someone went in there and did a good job. It was very strange."

Jackson is believed to have suffered a cardiac arrest at his home shortly after midday on June 25. He died two hours later in hospital.

Over recent weeks, media reports have contined to focus on the star’s alleged use of painkillers.

It is believed Michael had taken some drugs before his death, although exactly what substances have yet to be made public.

'Happy'

Meanwhile, Le Toya also revealed she last saw her brother alive at a Jackson family gathering in May, held to celebrate their parent’s 60th wedding anniversary.

Despite claims that the star was underweight, she said he looked “happy and enjoyed every minute of it”.

Le Toya added: "It was a wonderful time. When he left we embraced each other and he said, 'Thanks for a nice time. We have to do this again in Vegas.'

"He went to the door, and as he got into the vehicle he looked back and waved goodbye.

“It's sad to think that was the last time I saw my baby brother."

(by Jason Gregory)